President Lee Visits the U.S. Ahead of Korea-U.S. Summit
President Lee and First Lady Attend
"Writing a New History Together, The Real Korea - Korean-American Community Meeting"
"I Will Ensure Proper Places and Systems for Voting as Sovereign Citizens"
Expresses Gratitude for the Contributions of Korean-Americans
On the 24th (local time), President Lee Jaemyung met with Korean-Americans and stated, "I will hold a summit with President Trump and work together to respond to the rapidly changing international order, seeking ways to further develop the Korea-U.S. alliance." He added, "The alliance is evolving into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance that encompasses not only military and economic partnerships but also a technology alliance."
On his first official schedule during his visit to the United States, President Lee made these remarks at the "Writing a New History Together, The Real Korea - Korean-American Community Meeting" held at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C. President Lee said, "I will never forget the dedication of those who have preserved the identity of the Korean people by supporting each other through severe hardships and adversity." He continued, "To ensure that your remarkable efforts are not in vain, I will listen to the diverse voices of the Korean-American community and further expand the necessary support."
President Lee went on to say, "I will also focus on resolving long-standing issues for Korean-Americans, such as dual citizenship and lowering the age requirement." He added, "With your unwavering support and encouragement, I will make sure to build a proud homeland where everyone prospers together-a Korea filled with peace and prosperity." President Lee also said, "As sovereign citizens of Korea, I will ensure that there are proper places, devices, and systems for you to exercise your voting rights and fulfill your responsibilities and roles without any shortcomings."
The meeting was attended by President Lee and the First Lady, as well as U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Moon Sook, President of the Liberation Association Washington Chapter, Lee Junho, Acting Ambassador to the United States, Onyang, NBC anchor, Steve Lee, President of the Korean American Association of Washington, Moon Ilryong, Fairfax School Board Member, Rosa Park, Baltimore Police Lieutenant, Choi Inhye, Secretary General of the Korean American Service & Education Consortium, Timothy Hwang, CEO of PascalNote, and Jennifer Ko, Artistic Director of the Kennedy Center.
Additionally, President Lee highlighted the significance of this year, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, and expressed his gratitude for the contributions of Korean-Americans. He said, "We are living in a turbulent era where complex crises in livelihood, economy, security, and peace, as well as a civilization-level transformation, threaten our survival." He emphasized, "Your presence, having turned countless hardships in this unfamiliar land of America into opportunities, serves as a precious beacon lighting the future of our homeland."
President Lee further stated, "From the students who dreamed of a developing homeland under the harsh law of the jungle in the late 19th-century international order, to the laborers who came to the farms of Hawaii and the West in search of a new life, and the countless immigrant pioneers who supported and longed for Korea’s independence while enduring difficult lives-Korean-Americans have played a crucial role in helping Korea overcome the devastation of war, the pain of division, and achieve remarkable industrialization and democratization." He continued, "Above all, by cherishing your Korean identity and taking root as exemplary members of American society, you are leading the future in various fields and serving as a strong bridge connecting Korea and the United States."
President Lee also mentioned K-culture, including "K-Pop Demon Hunters." He said, "Recently, the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' which features K-pop as its theme, has been sweeping various records and capturing the hearts of young people around the world." He added, "Familiar foods like gimbap and ramen are no longer just for Koreans. Here at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and even on the grass field at Audi Field, the power of K-content is making Americans cheer with excitement."
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